For all the joys in raising a pup, there are also moments of stress and frustration. Puppy training can be tricky at times, and dealing with the task of housebreaking is a major struggle for many Los Angeles pet parents.
If you just brought a little tail-wagger home, you’re no doubt hoping that won’t be your experience. And, you likely know that you’ll need a plan of action to get them to do their business outside. So, how do you potty train a puppy? What should you do – and what should you avoid doing – to set your fur baby up for success?
To help ensure your pup develops good potty habits, follow these do’s and don’ts of housebreaking from the professional dog trainers of the iWorkDogs team.
The Do’s of Potty Training a Puppy
When you start working on housebreaking your young pup, fast results are what you want. A patient and consistent approach helps a great deal in that regard, but accidents are to be expected. That said, experienced Los Angeles puppy training professionals say that your little pooch may learn the rules on where and when to go potty faster if you do the following:
DO Provide Frequent Potty Breaks
Canine experts say that young pups have limited control over bladder and bowel movements. Give your tail-wagger a potty break every hour or two, and they’ll come to understand that outside is the right place to do their business.
DO Stick to a Regular Schedule
When you’re trying to housebreak a puppy, training experts say that regularly scheduled meals can make a major difference. Feed your fur baby at the same time each day and take them outside afterwards, and you’ll see fewer accidents.
DO Offer Rewards for Successes
Immediately after your pup goes potty outside, offer praise along with playtime or a treat. As with other puppy training tasks, positive reinforcement helps produce results with housebreaking, so let your little dog know that you’re happy.
DO Learn Your Pup’s Potty Cues
Most dogs give some sort of signal when they need to go outside. Watch your puppy closely, and if you notice them whining, walking in circles or scratching at the door, take a potty break. Figure out your pup’s cues, and you can prevent accidents.
The Don’ts of Potty Training a Puppy
Have you ever helped potty train a child? Some kids catch onto the concept quickly, and others take several months. Dogs are no different, but according to Los Angeles puppy training professionals, most canines can be fully trained by the time they’re nine to twelve months in age. For your fur baby to make fast progress with housebreaking, avoid doing the following:
DON’T Leave Your Pup Unsupervised
Until you get to the point where your pooch is doing their business outside on a consistent basis, don’t leave them alone in your home unless they’re in a crate. Skip this step, and you might very well step in something when you walk in the door.
DON’T Punish Your Pooch for Accidents
Accidents happen, and puppy training professionals don’t recommend the age-old response of scolding and rubbing a dog’s nose in the mess they’ve made. This strategy often backfires, leading a pooch to hide or eat the evidence of a mishap.
DON’T Confuse Your Puppy with Potty Pads
For some pet parents – like those who have limited mobility or live in a high-rise apartment building – potty pads are sensible. But if possible, don’t use them, as puppy training experts say that pads can make a pup confused about where to potty.
DON’T Abandon the Effort to Train Your Pup
Housebreaking can be challenging, and it may seem as if your little tail-wagger is never going to learn the rules. Give them time, and as long as you’re consistent and willing to keep trying, you’ll eventually get results – but if you’re frustrated, get help.
Leave Puppy Training to the iWorkDogs Team
Potty training issues are one of the most common reasons why Los Angeles pet parents surrender a new pooch, and you don’t want that outcome. If you’re struggling to get your fur baby to understand where and when to do their business, turn to iWorkDogs Dog Training Company.
At iWorkDogs, our puppy training professionals have extensive experience working with young dogs of all breeds. We welcome canines with behavioral problems, and we’re confident that we can help your little tail-wagger get on the right track with potty training. Plus, after attending one of our puppy boot camp programs, your pup will be a happy and well-behaved companion – housebreaking isn’t the only task we’ll work on. And to help ensure you get results at home, we’ll provide you with follow-up lessons and continued support.
For expert help with housebreaking in the Los Angeles area, or to discuss a puppy training plan with the iWorkDogs team, contact us today.
